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 for belike if we die the old wolf shall come by the gold, and that bear shall nowise spare the bite of his war-tusks.”

Then all the folk of his household brought them on their way weeping.

The son of Hogni said—

“Fare ye well with merry tide.”

The more part of their folk were left behind; Solar and Gnœvar, the sons of Hogni, fared with them, and a certain great champion, named Orkning, who was the brother of Kostbera.

So folk followed them down to the ships, and all letted them of their journey, but attained to naught therein.

Then spake Glaumvor, and said—

“O Vingi, most like that great ill hap will come of thy coming, and mighty and evil things shall betide in thy travelling.”

He answered, “Hearken to my answer; that I lie not aught: and may the high gallows and all things of grame have me, if I lie one word!”

Then cried Kostbera, “Fare ye well with merry days.”

And Hogni answered, “Be glad of heart, howsoever it may fare with us!”

And therewith they parted, each to their own fate. Then away they rowed, so hard and fast, that well-nigh the half of the keel slipped away from the ship, and so hard they laid on to the oars that thole and gunwale brake.

But when they came aland they made their ship fast, and then they rode awhile on their noble steeds through the murk wild-wood.

And now they behold the king’s army, and huge